The Nation’s 10 Most Loved Cuisines

Ah French cuisine, it’s always set the gastronomic bar. From boundary-pushing delicacies such as snails and frog legs, to servings of genuine aesthetic beauty, French cuisine has long been thought of as number one, particularly around Valentine’s Day. However, here we find French cuisine propping up the table at number 10. Wee Paree is where Paris meets the West End of Glasgow. Serving up brunch, lunch and small plates boasting Steak au Poivre and Braised Beef Bourguignon, this place is never one to miss. Bon Appetit!

Caribbean cuisine epitomises summer vibes. It’s colourful, it’s tropical, it’s hot – we love it, and so do you! From jerk chicken to curried goat – the style of home cooking and love that gets poured into marinades is second to none. London’s annual Notting Hill Carnival serves up some of the best Caribbean cuisine in the city, but if you can’t wait until then, we suggest Turtle Bay. With locations across the city, including Ealing, Walthamstow and Brixton, this chain has rubber stamped itself as the go-to Caribbean cuisine destination in London.

In at number eight is Thai cuisine! Arguably one of the most flavoursome cuisines in our list, Thai food boasts tropical ingredients and delicious dishes we – as a nation – have come to adore. Dublin’s Full Moon serves all your Thai favourites and authentic Thai street food dishes. From papaya salads and noodle soups, to traditional curries, wok dishes, fish and seafood delicacies!

Mediterranean cuisine is the food and methods of preparation used by the people of the Mediterranean Basin, which stretches from Southern Europe across to the Levant and parts of North Africa. Consider Mediterranean cuisine the godfather of fusion food, if you will. For a bonafide Mediterranean menu, look no further than The Quarter in Liverpool. Their exciting menu consists of Italian pasta dishes, Greek salads, Spanish chicken and Middle Eastern-style kebabs. Wow, in a word.

Number six on our list may come as a surprise to some, but don’t be fooled – Scottish cuisine is on the up (literally, in this list’s case). Restaurants such as Fhior in Edinburgh are garnering huge respect from around the world. Opened in June 2018 by Scott and Laura Smith with the vision to create a dining experience that is reflective of the restaurant’s namesake (Fhior means “true” in Gaelic), Scott went onto win The Scotsman’s Chef of the Year award in 2019, just a year after opening. Highly impressive stuff.

If you love sharing food and enjoy small plates so you can try a bit of everything, then you’ll be pleased to see Tapas / Spanish cuisine comfortably seated mid-table. We’d highly recommend Manchester’s La Bandera. Their authentic tapas menu includes highlights such as Gambas Volcán (King Prawns with Canarian spices, white wine, fresh and dry chillies) and Croquetas de Chipirón (their famous Squid Ink Croquettes).

European cuisine, how does that work? If you’ve thought that, don’t worry. European cuisine (also called “Western cuisine”) simply refers collectively to the cuisines of Western countries. Think continental. Belfast is one such city that boasts a number of top-notch restaurants specialising in European cuisine. Coco, located in Belfast’s up-and-coming Linen Quarter behind City Hall, has been serving European-style cuisine for more more than 10 years. Expect quirky artwork and a relaxed, European atmosphere.

Mi amore, we’re into the top three! And taking the bronze is Italian cuisine. For many, Italian food is a favourite. Perhaps it’s because the home-style cooking brings a certain nostalgia, reminding people of their own nonnas. One of our favourite local, independent Italian restaurants in Bristol is Prego. Freshly made pasta in-house daily, what could be more authentic? With pizzas, Primi and second-to-none Dolci, this place is an absolute gem.

Yeeeeehaawwwww – in second place is American cuisine! From burgers and wings, to Mac n Cheese, we can be thankful to the Americans for giving us some of our favourite comfort foods. TGI Fridays has firmly cemented itself as the goddaddy of American dining in the UK, with locations across the UK, including Cardiff. From a full on wingfest to loaded potato skins, from ultimate ribs to classic burgers, we’re here for it all.

And the nation has finally spoken, our number one most loved cuisine is British! From Sunday roasts to fish and chips, from bangers and mash to a solid Full English, we love our British staples. The proof is in the sticky toffee pudding. How about a good old fashioned pie and mash? Pieminster in Leeds serves up pies ranging from the Moo (a British beef steak and craft ale pie) to a Mooless Moo for the veggies (made with jackfruit), and many, many more. We love them.